Communications card with integral transmission media line adaptor

ABSTRACT

A communications card provides an electronic interface between a host computer and a transmission media line. The communications card includes a releasable adaptor which interconnects an electrical connector of the transmission media line to the communications card when in use. In a first attachment position, which may be used as a storage position, the adaptor integrates into the overall configuration of the communication card to present a configuration that conforms with PCMCIA communication card architecture. For certain PCMCIA socket configurations, this integrated attachment position may also be used as an operational position. In a second attachment position, the adaptor forms an extension of the communications card, extending away from the computer socket to accommodate more restrictive socket configurations. The communications card also includes an optional connector terminal to permit connection to an electrical media line connector of a second type.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application U.S. Ser. No.08/368,412, filed Jan. 4, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,504.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to computers. More specifically,the invention relates to an interface connection between a computercommunications card and a transmission media line.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many computer firms recently have developed down-sized, internalcommunications cards for use with portable computer or other electronicequipment. These down-sized, internal communications cards now commonlyembody such devices as modems, fax/modems, Local Area Network (LAN)adaptors and cellular equipment. Many of these firms, in designing suchcommunications cards, also have embraced the Personal Computer MemoryCard International Association (PCMCIA) guidelines for the physicalspecification and electronic architecture of the cards.

The PCMCIA guidelines define three types of cards and sockets for devicesupport. All cards have the same length and width (roughly the size of acredit card) and each plugs into the same 68-pin connector. Theguidelines further provide for cards of differing thicknesses: a Type Icard of 3.3 mm; a Type II card of 5.0 mm; and a Type III card of 10.5

The PCMCIA guidelines also define corresponding types of sockets. Type Isockets support only Type I cards. Type II sockets support Type I and IIcards, and Type III sockets support all three types of cards.

Designers commonly have used the Type II card guidelines in connectionwith modems, fax/modems and LAN adaptors. In such applications, thecommunications card must interface with a transmission media line, suchas, for example, a telephone line or a twisted-pair cable. Theelectrical connectors used with such transmission media lines, however,generally exceed the thickness limits imposed on Type II PCMCIA cards.For instance, a modular telephone plug (i.e., RJ-11 connector) generallyhas a thickness of 8.0 to 12.0 mm which exceeds the 5.0 mm thicknesslimit of the Type II PCMCIA card. The Type II PCMCIA card thus cannotaccommodate a socket at the exposed end of the card which is capable ofreceiving a modular transmission media line connector.

Many computer firms have addressed this problem by using flexibleconnectors or adaptors, usually connected to an end of the card thatfaces away from the bus interface, to connect the communications card toa connector of the transmission media line. In modem applications, theseadaptors include RJ-11 sockets which receive an RJ-11 telephone lineplug and a slimmer electrical connector (e.g., a card edge connector)for interconnection with a corresponding connector formed on the exposededge of the communications card.

Such prior adaptors, however, suffer from several drawbacks. Prioradaptors require the user to externally carry the adapter from thecomputer. A user thus must remember to bring the adaptor with thecomputer, otherwise he or she could not use the communications card.Users also commonly misplace or lose such adaptors. In addition, prioradaptors commonly are bulky, which exacerbates the problems associatedwith externally carrying the adaptor. Prior adaptors further typicallyextend well beyond the periphery of the host computer which sometimesposes problems when used in tight space confinements.

Another computer firm has introduced a pop-out-type connector which isinternally stored within the communications card when not in use. Theconnector pops out of the communication card with a touch of a finger toexpose a socket for the transmission media line connector. U.S. Pat. No.5,183,404 issued Feb. 2, 1993, and entitled "Systems For Connection OfPhysical/Electrical Media Connectors To Computer Communications Cards",disclosed this type of internal connector.

Although this internal, pop-out-type, communications card connectorproposes one solution to the problem of storage, it creates at least oneother drawback. The retractable connector is permanently attached to thecommunications card for storage purposes. But when the connector becomesdamaged or worn, the permanent attachment of the connector to thecommunications card forces the user to dispose of the entirecommunications card.

Such damage and wear is likely because the mechanical components of theconnector and of the actuation mechanism used with the connector tend towear and fatigue quicker than the electronics of the communicationscard. The adaptor, which extends outside the computer shell when used,also is more susceptible to damage than the communications cardpositioned within the corresponding socket. Expensive PCMCIAcommunications cards thus are discarded due to the failure of relativelyinexpensive, but damaged or worn connectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A need therefore exists for a releasable adaptor that can be easilyremoved and replaced, yet can be stored with the communications cardwithin the corresponding socket.

The present invention involves a communications card which includes anadaptor that directly connects a transmission media line with thecommunications card. The adaptor releasably attaches to thecommunications card so as to be easily replaced if damaged or worn, yetintegrates into the overall shape of the communications card in astorage position so as to be stored with the card within theconfigurational confines of the PCMCIA socket. In one embodiment, theadaptor can be attached to the communications card in either of twoalternative operational positions to accommodate for differingconfigurations of PCMCIA sockets.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a communicationscard provides an electronic interface between a computer and atransmission media line of the type having an electrical connector. Thecommunications card includes a card body that has first and secondelectrical terminals. The body also houses logic circuitry whichcommunicates with the first and second terminals. An adaptor releasablyattaches to the card body in a first position. In this position, theadaptor electrically connects to the first terminal. The adaptor alsoreleasably attaches to the card body in a second position in which thatadaptor integrates with the card body to present a generally rectangularconfiguration.

Another aspect of the present invention involves an adaptor forelectrically interfacing a transmission media line connector with acommunications card. The communications card includes at least oneterminal and has a thickness which is less than the thickness of thetransmission media line connector. The adaptor includes a body and ahinged lid. The lid is movable relative to the body between a firstposition and a second position. In the first position, the lid ispositioned adjacent to the body such that the adaptor has a thicknesswhich generally equals the thickness of the communications card. In thesecond position, the lid extends away from the body so as to define aspace of sufficient size between the lid and the body to receive atleast a portion of the transmission media line connector.

In accordance with a method of directly connecting a communications cardto a transmission media line of the type having a connector, acommunications card is provided having a card body and an adaptor. Thecard body houses logic circuitry. A user releasably attaches the adaptorto a terminal of the card body in a first position such that contacts ofthe adaptor electrically communicate with the logic circuitry within thecard body. The user also releasably attaches the connector of thetransmission media line to the adaptor in a manner which places thetransmission media line in electrical communication with the contacts ofthe adaptor. The user inserts the card body into a corresponding socketof a host computer. A signal is transmits through the transmission medialine and the adaptor, either to or from the logic circuitry. The userremoves the adaptor from the terminal of the communications card body todetach the adaptor from the card body. The user releasably attaches theadaptor to the communications card body in a second position. In thisposition, the adaptor assembles with the communications card body topresent a generally rectangular configuration which conforms to PCMCIAguidelines for physical specification of communications cards.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a communicationscard is provided that is configured to accommodate for differingcomputer socket configurations. The communications card comprises a cardbody, and an adaptor which is configured to receive an electricalconnector of a transmission media line. The adaptor is advantageouslyreleasably attachable to the card body in at least two alternativeattachment positions, with each of the attachment positions allowing thecomputer to communicate with the transmission media line.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, acommunications card is provided for electrically interfacing a computerwith a transmission media line that has either one of at least twodifferent types of electrical media line connectors. The communicationscard comprises a card body that defines a channel, and has a movablemember that is movable within the channel. When the movable member isfully inserted within the channel, the movable member integrates withthe card body to present a generally rectangular configuration. Themovable member is configured to receive an electrical media lineconnector of a first type. The card body also comprises a connectorterminal adapted to receive an electrical media line connector of asecond type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will now be described withreference to the drawings of preferred embodiments which are intended toillustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a communications card and adaptor inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,illustrated in connection with an exemplary host computer;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the communications card of FIG. 1with the adaptor positioned in a storage position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the communications card of FIG. 1with the adaptor positioned in an operational position and connected toa transmission media line connector;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the communications card of FIG. 1schematically illustrating the movement of the adaptor between thestorage position (illustrated in FIG. 2) and the operational position(illustrated in FIG. 3);

FIG. 5 is a schematic, partial sectional, rear perspective view of apreferred embodiment of an ejection mechanism which can be used with thecommunications card and adaptor of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 4 with a lidof the adaptor in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 4 with the lidin the close position;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional, rear perspective view of the adaptor ofFIG. 4 with the lid in an open position, illustrating theinterconnection of the adaptor with the transmission media lineconnector;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the adaptor taken along line 10--10of FIG. 3, illustrating the transmission media line connector inphantom;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional perspective view of a rear end of theadaptor lid as seen in the direction of line 11--11 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a communications card and adaptorin accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, with the adapter withdrawn from an adaptor channel to exposea second adaptor terminal; and

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the communications card of FIG. 12with the adaptor positioned in one of two possible operationalpositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a communications device 10 in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. The communications device10 desirably has a card-like shape configured to be inserted into acorresponding socket 12 of a host computer system 14 for device support.The communications card 10 communicates with the host platform of thecomputer 14 via a serial, parallel, SCSI, or like port, when pluggedinto the socket. In the illustrated embodiment, the communications card10 plugs into a standard 68-pin connector (not shown) within the socket12 which is coupled to a bus structure of the host computer system 14,as known in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the communications card 10 desirably isconfigured in accordance with the parameters established by the PersonComputer Memory Card International Associated (PCMCIA) for Type I (3.3mm thick) or Type II (5.0 mm thick) communications cards. In thismanner, the present communications card 10 has a standardized size andshape so as to be compatible with standardized PCMCIA sockets. Thecommunications card 10 thus can be used with a wide variety of personalcomputers, including, but not limited to, desktop computers, portablecomputers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebook computers,palmtop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs), providedhowever, that such host systems 10 include a suitable PCMCIA socket.

In accordance with the PCMCIA standard, the communications card 10generally has a rectangular configuration. The card 10 desirable has alength equal to about 85 mm, a width equal to about 55 mm and athickness equal to about either 3 mm or 5 mm depending upon whether thecommunications card is configured as a Type I or II card. As thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate, however, a communicationscard incorporating the present invention can be manufactured in any of awide variety of sizes and configurations in order to suit specificapplications.

As seen in FIG. 1, the communications card 10 includes a transmissionmedia line adaptor 16 and a card body 18. The adaptor 16 releasablyconnects to the card body 18 in two positions: a storage position and anoperational position. The releasable connection between the adaptor 16and the card body 18 allows the adaptor 16 to be moved between thestorage position and the operational position. As understood from FIG.1, the adaptor 16 extends beyond the peripheral side 20 of the hostcomputer 14 with the card body 18 plugged into the corresponding socket12. A connector or plug 22 of a transmission media line 24 thus can beeasily plugged into the adaptor 16 in the operational position, withoutthe adaptor 16 or the connector 22 interfering with adjacent cards inadjacent sockets.

FIG. 2 illustrated the adaptor 16 positioned in its storage position.The adaptor 16 integrates into the overall shape and configuration ofthe communications card 10, as discussed below. The top and bottomsurfaces of the adaptor 16 generally lie flush with the correspondingsurfaces of the card body 18. The adaptor 16 also completes thegenerally rectangular shape of the communications card 10. Thus, withthe adaptor 16 connected to the card body 18 in the storage position,the communications card 10 has an overall size and configuration inaccordance with PCMCIA standards (e.g., approximately 85×55×5 mm for aPCMCIA Type II card).

As best seen in FIG. 3, the adaptor 16 is configured to receive aportion of the terminal connector or plug 22 at the end of thetransmission media line 24. It is contemplated that the adaptor 16 canbe configured to receive a specific plug type of any of a variety ofplug types used at a terminal end of a transmission media line. Thus,for instance, with respect to modem or fax/modem applications, theadaptor 16 may be configured to receive a standard RJ-11, 4 or 6position, miniature modular plug which is commonly used withconventional 4 or 6 strand telephone transmission lines. For Local AreaNetwork (LAN) applications, the adaptor 16 may be configured to receivea standard RJ-45, 8 pin modular plug commonly used with twisted-paircable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 16 is configured to engage anRJ-11 modular plug 22 where the communications card 10 is designed formodem or fax/modem applications. It is contemplated, however, that thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present inventioncould be adapted for use with other types of connectors, such as, forexample, an RJ-45 modular connector, a standard DB 25-pin connector, BNCconnector or a modular card edge connector, as well.

FIG. 4 best illustrates a conventional RJ-11 modular plug 22, the basicunderstanding of which is essential to an appreciation of theillustrated embodiment of the adaptor 16. The plug 22 includes a contactpin block 26 which houses a plurality of contacts 28 located proximateto a front end of the block 26. The contacts are recessed within tracksformed in the block 26 and are accessible from the front and bottomsides of the block 26.

The contact pin block 26 generally has a rectangular block-like shapedefined between a front end 30 and a rear end 32. As seen in FIG. 4, thefront end 30 of the block 26 includes a pair of notches which definefront abutment surfaces 34 behind the front end 30. The front abutmentsurfaces 34 conventionally lies perpendicular to an upper surface 36 ofthe block 26.

A standard retention clip 38 extends from the upper surface 36 of theblock 26. The retention clip 38 includes a broad base 40, one end ofwhich is integrally attached to an upper surface 36 of the block 26. Annarrow tab 42 cantilevers from an opposite end of the base 40. Theabrupt transition between the broad base 40 and the narrow tab 42 formsretention edges 44 on either side of the tab 42. As discussed in detailbelow, a portion of the adaptor 16 contacts the retention edges 44 ofthe clip 38 to releasable retain the plug 22 in a manner similar to thatknown in the art.

The retention clip 38 cantilevers from the plug body 26 at an anglerelative to the upper surface 36 of the plug body 26. A user mayelastically deflect the retention clip 38 in order to insert the clip 38into the adaptor 16, as explained below, by pressing down on the tab 42.When the user releases the tab 42, the clip 38 springs back to itsoriginal undeflected position.

The adaptor 16 of the illustrated embodiment receives a substantialportion of the contact block 26 so as to make electrical contact withthe contacts 28 of the plug 22. The adaptor 16 also releasably engagesthe retention clip 38 to releasably secure the plug 22 to the adaptor 16and to maintain the electrical connection between these components, aswill be discussed in detail below. The individual components of thecommunications card 10 will now be discussed in detail.

FIG. 4 illustrates the card body 18, the adaptor 16 and transmissionmedia connector 22, separately. The card body 18 generally has arectangular shape that principally defines the overall shape andconfiguration of the communications card 10. The card body 18 includes afront end 46 and a rear end 48. As used herein, the terms "front" and"rear" are used in reference to the direction in which the card body 18is inserted into the computer socket 12 (FIG. 1). The front and rearends 46, 48 are generally parallel to each other and the front end 48defines the overall width of the communications card 10.

The body 18 also includes a pair of rails 50, 52 which generally extendalong opposite sides between the front and rear ends 46, 48. The rails50, 52 are configured to mate with correspondingly shaped grooves withinthe computer socket 12 to facilitate proper alignment and position ofthe communications card 10 when inserted into the socket 12, as known inthe art.

At the rear end 48, the card body 18 includes a relief 54. The relief 54has a overall configuration complimentary to the shape of the adaptor16. In the illustrated embodiment, the relief 54 generally has arectangular configuration defined by a front wall 56 and a side wall 58.The relief 54 desirably has a width less than half of the overall widthof the communications card 10 and a length less than half of the overalllength of the communications card 10. The size and shape of the relief54, however, can readily be customized to suit a specific adaptor 16.

The card body 18 includes an intermediate peripheral member 60interposed between an upper plate 62 and a lower plate 64. The plates62, 64 include clips which attach to the peripheral member 60 in aconventional manner. The peripheral member 60 has a hollow center. Theplates 62, 64 cover the hollow center of the peripheral member 60 toform a cavity within the center of the card body 18, as known in theart. The cavity has a sufficient size to house logic circuitry of thecommunications card, which is generally designated by reference numeral66.

The logic circuitry 66 of the communications card 10 desirably providesan electronic interface between the transmission media line 24 and thecomputer platform of the host computer 14. In the illustratedembodiment, the logic circuitry 66 functions as a conventional modem andconforms to PCMCIA architecture. It is understood, however, that logiccircuitry 66 could be designed to provide other types of interfacingfunctions, such as, for example, as a LAN adaptor card.

The logic circuitry 66 also may include a Data Access Arrangement (DAA)circuit to provide an impedance match between the bus structure of thehost computer 14 and the transmission media line 24, as known in theart. The DAA circuit also isolates the modem and host computer 14 fromtransient signals and other noise transmitted by the transmission medialine 24. That is, the DAA circuit filters the signal receive via thetransmission media line 24. It further prevents the modem or computerfrom introducing disturbances on the transmission media line 24.

The communications card 10 also includes at least two terminals 68, 70which extend through the walls of the peripheral member 60 at the frontand rear ends 46, 48 of the communications card body 18. A frontterminal 68 is defined at the front end 46 of the card body 18 and isconfigured to connect to the corresponding connector within the computersocket 12. In the present embodiment, the front terminal 68 comprises a64-pin receptacle connector that receives a conventional correspondingpin connector within the standard PCMCIA socket 12. Other types ofconnectors having various numbers contacts can of course be used. Thefront terminal 68 receives signal output from the logic circuitry 66 ofthe communications card 10 via a conventional bus (not shown) within thecard body 18.

The rear terminal 70 is defined on the rear end 48 of the card body 18.The rear terminal 70 is adapted to connect to the adaptor 16 tophysically attach the adaptor 16 to the card body 18 and to place theadaptor 16 in electrical communication with the terminal 70. For thispurpose, the rear terminal 70 includes a receptacle 72 which receives aportion of the adaptor 16, as discussed below. The rear terminal 70 alsoincludes an electrical connector 74. In the illustrated embodiment, theelectrical connector 74 of the rear terminal 70 comprises a card edgeconnector having a plurality of contacts corresponding in number to thenumber of contacts on the adaptor 16. It is understood, however, thatother types of physical and electrical connectors can be used as well tointerconnect the adaptor 16 and rear terminal 70. Through the electricalconnection 74, the rear terminal 70 receives transmission signals fromthe adaptor 16 and communicates with input lines (not shown) of thelogic circuitry 66.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the peripheral member 60 of the card body 18 atthe relief 54 includes an aperture 76 located on the front wall 56 ofthe relief 54. The aperture 76 is sized to receive a portion of theadaptor 16, as discussed below.

The side wall 58 of the relief 54 includes a groove 78 formed in theperipheral member 60. The groove 78 desirably has a cross-sectionalshape configured to retain a corresponding portion of the adaptor 16.For this purpose, as seen in FIG. 4, the groove 78 increases incross-sectional width behind its opening. In the illustrated embodiment,the groove 78 generally has a dove-tail shape (i.e., a trapezoidalshape); however, it is understood that the groove 78 can have othercross-sectional configurations, such as, for example, a truncatedcircular shape, as well.

The card body 18 also can house an ejection mechanism which, whenactuated, at least partially ejects the adaptor 16 from the storageposition in the rearward direction beyond the rear end 48 of the cardbody 18. The ejection mechanism may act upon the portion of the adaptor16 positioned within the aperture 76 of the front wall 56 or upon theportion of the adaptor 16 positioned within the groove 78 of the reliefside wall 58.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an ejection mechanism79 which can be used with the present communications card 10 and adaptor16. The ejection mechanism 79 principally comprises an ejection button81 which actuates a lever 83. The button 81 is positioned at the rearend 48 of the card body 18 so as to be accessible when thecommunications card 10 is inserted into the corresponding socket 12.FIG. 5 illustrates the button 81 in an unactuated position. A spring orother biasing mechanism (not shown) biases the button 81 such that thebutton 81 normally lies in this position.

The lever 83 includes a follower 85 and a rocker arm 87 positioned onopposite sides of a fixed pivot point 89. As seen in FIG. 5, one end ofthe follower 85 contacts an end of the button 81. The rocker arm 87rests in front of the adaptor 16 with the adaptor 16 positioned in itsstorage position. The rocker arm 87 and the follower 85 are skewedrelative to each other, preferably at an obtuse angle.

Actuation of the button 81 causes a front end 91 of the button 81 tomove forward. The button front end 81 forces the lever follower 85forward, which, in turn, causes the lever 81 to rotate about the fixedpivot point 89. An outer end 93 of the rocker arm 87 contacts the frontend of the adaptor 16 and forces the adaptor 16 rearward as the lever 83rotates. The lever 83 thus pushes the adaptor 16 at least partially outof the relief 54 in the card body 18 so that a user can easily grasp theadaptor 16.

Of course, other types of ejector mechanisms which will readily beapparent to those skilled in the art, also can be used with the presentcommunications card 10 to facilitate removal of the adaptor 16 from itsstorage position. The communications card 10, however, need not includean ejection mechanism, as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4exemplifies.

With reference to FIG. 6, the adaptor 16 principally comprises a body 80with a movable retention member 82 and a plurality of contact pins 84positioned between the body 80 and the retention member 82. The body 80generally has a rectangular configuration of a size and shapecomplimentary to the relief 54 of the card body 18. The retention member82 is configured to releasably engage a portion of the transmissionmedia line connector to releasably secure the connector to the adaptorbody 80. The retention member 82 desirably moves between an openposition, in which the retention member is positioned to engage theconnector, and a closed position, in which the retention member liesadjacent to the adaptor body. In the illustrated embodiment, theretention member comprises a lid 82 which is hinged to the adaptor body80 so as to move between the open and closed positions. In this manner,as best understood from FIG. 2, the communications card 10 generallypresents a rectangular configuration with the adaptor 16 positionedwithin the recess 54 of the card body 18 and the lid 82 positioned inthe closed position.

With reference back to FIG. 6, the adaptor body 80 desirably has a widththat is less than one half of the overall width of the communicationscard 10, and more preferably has a width generally equal to one-third ofthe overall width of the communications card 10.

The adaptor body 80 advantageously has a sufficient length so as toreceive a substantial portion of the contacts 28 of the modular plug 22on the end of the transmission media line 24. The length of the body 80preferably is greater than the lengths of the contacts 28 such that theadaptor 16 receives the entire length of the plug contacts 28. In theillustrated embodiment, the adaptor body 80 has a length generally equalto about one-fourth of the length of the communications card 10 wherethe adaptor 16 is designed for interconnection with a modular RJ-11 plug22.

As seen in FIG. 6, the adaptor body 80 defines a central channel 86which extends into the body 80 from a rear end 88. The channel 86generally has a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a width widerthan the width of the transmission media line connector 22. The channel86 also has a sufficient depth to receive at least a portion of thecontacts 28 of the modular plug 22.

A plurality of tracks 90 extend longitudinally along a bottom surface ofthe channel 86. The tracks 90 desirably correspond in number to thenumber of contacts 28 on the transmission media line connector 22. Thespacing between the tracks 28 and the position of the tracks 28 withinthe channel 86 relative to the side walls 92, 94 of the channel 86 alsocorrespond to the spacing between the plug contacts 28 and the positionof the contacts 28 relative to the sides of the connector 22 with thetransmission media line connector 22 centered within the channel 86.

A pair of side reliefs 96 extend into the side walls 92, 94 of theadaptor body channel 86. The side reliefs 96 generally oppose eachother, and each is sized to receive a portion of the lid 82. In theillustrated embodiment, each side relief 96 generally has a rectangularshape with a height generally equal to the depth of the channel 86. Asseen in FIG. 6, the side reliefs 96 are generally centered relative tothe length of the channel 86.

A first side rail 98 extends along the side of the adaptor body 80. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the rail 98 extends along the inner side ofthe adaptor 16, i.e., along the side of the adaptor body 80 positionedadjacent to the card body 18 when the adaptor 16 rests in the storageposition. The rail 98 may extend only along a portion of thelongitudinal length of the adaptor 16; however, the rail 98 preferablyextends along a significant portion of the longitudinal length of theadaptor body 80.

The rail 98 desirably has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds tothe cross-sectional shape of the retention groove 78 of the card body18. As best seen in FIG. 7, the rail 98 decreases in cross-sectionalwidth in a direction toward the adaptor body 80. In the illustratedembodiment, the rail 98 generally has a dove-tail shape (i.e., atrapezoidal shape); however, it is understood that the rail 98 can haveother cross-sectional configurations, such as, for example, a bulbousshape, as well.

Although the adaptor 16 carries the rail 98 and the adaptor body 18defines the corresponding groove 78 in the illustrated embodiment, theposition of these components of the interlocking rail/groove assemblycould be switched. That is, the adaptor body 18 could carry the rail ofthe interlocking rail/groove assembly and the adaptor 16 could definethe corresponding groove.

As seen in FIG. 6, the rail 98 also defines a transverse notch 100. Thenotch 100 lies generally at about the longitudinal center of the adaptorbody 80 and is configured to receive a portion of the adaptor lid 82, asdiscussed below.

With reference to FIG. 7, the adaptor body 80 also includes a secondrail 102. The second rail 102 extends along the adaptor body 80 on aside opposite the first rail 98. The rail 102 desirably has an identicalshape to the corresponding body rail 52 which extends along side of thecard body 18.

The second rail 102 and the body rail 52 form a continuous side rail,with the adaptor 16 positioned in the storage position, which mirrorsthe opposite side rail 50 of the body 80 and, as understood from FIG. 2,extends from the front end 46 to rear end 48 of the communications card10. As noted above, the rails 50, 52, 102 are configured to mate withcorrespondingly shaped grooves within the computer socket 12 tofacilitate proper alignment and position of the communications card 10when inserted into the socket 12.

As seen in FIG. 7, a connector 104 extends from the front end of theadaptor body 80. The connector 104 physically and electrically connectsthe adaptor 16 to the communications card body 18. For this purpose, theconnector 104 is configured to interconnect with the rear terminal 70 ofthe card body 18 to connect the adaptor 16 to the card body 18. Theconnector 104 also connects to the electrical connector 74 of the rearterminal 70 to place the adaptor 16 in electrical communication with thelogic circuitry 66 within the communications card 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 104 includes a plug 106which is sized and configured to insert firmly into the receptacle 72 ofthe rear terminal 70. The slight interference fit between the connectorplug 106 and the rear terminal receptacle 72 releasably secures theadaptor 16 to the card body 18. As best seen in FIG. 7, the plug 106also defines a card edge receptacle 108 which receives the card edgeelectrical connector 74 of the rear terminal 70. Contacts within theplug receptacle 108 contact the corresponding contacts on the card edgeconnector 74 in a known manner, with the plug 106 inserted into thereceptacle 72 of the rear terminal 70. Other types ofphysical/electrical connectors, however, can be used as well tointerconnect the adaptor 16 and the rear terminal 70.

The number of contacts of the plug connector 108 and of the electricalconnector 74 of the rear terminal 70 desirably correspond to the numberof transmission media lines of the transmission media line connector 22.In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connectors 74, 108 of theadaptor 16 and the communications card body 18 include four contacts;however, for modem application, two to six lines typically are used, andthus the electrical connectors 74, 108 can include a correspondingnumber of contacts. It also is contemplated that the number of contactsof the electrical connectors may not correspond to the number oftransmission media lines if the adaptor includes a DAA circuit or thelike. The transmission signal carried by the transmission media line,however, preferably is transmitted through the adaptor 16 withoutinterruption.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, the adaptor connector 104 also includesat least one key 110 to ensure proper insertion of the plug 106 into thecard body receptacle 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptorconnector 104 includes two keys 110 which extend from the plug 106 onopposite sides. The keys 110 have different sizes and correspond todiffering size apertures 112 (FIG. 4) formed within the card bodyreceptacle 72 about the card edge connector 74. In this manner, the plug106 can be inserted into the receptacle 72 and over the card edgeconnector 74 only when properly oriented. That is, the asymmetricalconfiguration of the keys 110 allows only one direction and orientationof insertion of the adaptor 16 into the card body receptacle 72.

FIG. 6 also illustrates the contact pins 84 apart from the adaptor body80. Each pin 84 comprises a wire bent to form a straight, elongatedsection 114 and a contact section 116 extending from a bend 118 at anacute angle relative to the straight section 114 of the wire. The wirehas a diameter sized to fit within one of the tracks 90 formed on thebottom of the adaptor body channel 86. In the illustrated embodiment,the wire diameter generally equals the depth and the width of thecorresponding track 90. As such, an interference fit between the wireand the walls of the track 90 secures the wire in place. In addition, orin the alternative, an adhesive material or other engaging structure ofthe adaptor body 80 can secure the wire to the adaptor body 80.

The contact section 116 of each pin 84 lies within the adaptor bodychannel 86 and extends above the bottom of the channel 86. The contactsection 116 preferably does not extend above the side walls 92, 94 ofthe channel 86. Each contact section 116 is positioned so as to contacta corresponding contact 28 on the transmission media line connector 22.In the illustrated embodiment, the contact section 116 of each wireextends from the bottom of the adaptor channel 16 in a direction towardsthe front of the adaptor body 80 at an angle of about 30° for use withan RJ-11 type connector; however, it is contemplated that the contactsections 116 could extend at other angles to suit other types ofconnectors.

The straight section 114 of each pin 84 desirably has a sufficientlength to extend from within the channel 86 to the connector 104 on thefront side of the adaptor body 80. In the illustrated embodiment, thefront end of each contact pin 84 forms a contact within the connector104. In this manner, an integral electrical pathway extends through theadaptor 16 to minimize electrical interference (i.e., extraneous noise)and to transmit the signal without interruption.

Each contact pin 84 is formed of a material with sufficient elasticityto allow elastic deflection of the contact sections 116 of the contactpin 84 when the transmission line media connector 22 engages the adaptor16, as described below. The wire material also is electricallyconductive. In addition, or in the alternative, the wire can be coatedwith a material of high electrical conductivity, such as, for example,gold, copper, or silver.

With references to FIGS. 6 and 8, the lid 82 generally has a rectangularshape sized to fit within the channel 86. In the illustrated embodiment,the lid 82 has a shape and size commensurate with that of the channel 86to generally lie flush within the channel 86 when in a closed position.The lid 82 preferably has a width greater than the width of thetransmission media line connector 22 and, as best understood from FIGS.3 and 9, a length longer than the distance from the front end 30 of theconnector 22 to the engagement edge 44 on the connector clip 38.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 10, a front end of the lid 82 is hinged tothe adaptor body 80. For this purpose, a pair of detents 120 extend fromopposite sides of the lid 82 proximate to the front end. The detents 120engage corresponding apertures 122 formed in the walls 92, 94 of theadaptor body channel 86. The engagement between the detents 120 and thecorresponding apertures 122 establish the hinged connection between thelid 82 and the adaptor body 80.

The lid 82 desirably pivots from a closed position to an open position.In the closed position, as best seen in FIG. 8, the lid 82 desirablylies within the channel 86 of the adaptor body 80 to form a flush uppersurface with the sides 92, 94 of the adaptor body 80. A rear end 124 ofthe lid 82 extends slightly beyond the rear end of the adaptor body 80in order to facilitate manipulation of the lid 82 between the open andclosed position. That is, the projecting rear end 124 of the lid 82provides a contact point at which a user can easily engage the lid 82 soas to raise it from the closed position to the open position. As bestseen in FIG. 2, however, the rear end 124 of the lid 82 desirably doesnot extend beyond the rear end 48 of the communications card body 18when the adaptor 16 rests in the storage position. The rear end 124 mayinclude a rounded outer edge which generally matches the rounded outeredges of the adaptor body walls 92, 94.

Although not illustrated, the adaptor 16 can include a biasing member tobias the lid 82 toward the open position from the closed position, inaddition or in the alternative to manual operation by the user. Thebiasing member--preferably in the form of a torsion spring--ispositioned between the lid 82 and the adaptor body 80 in a positionwhich does not interfere with the insertion of the transmission medialine connector 22 into the adaptor 16.

FIGS. 3, 9, and 10 illustrate the lid 82 in the open position. The lid82 extends away from the bottom of the adaptor channel 86 at an acuteangle, preferably at an angle equal to about 45°; however, it isunderstood that the lid 82 could extend almost at any angle in order tosuit a specific application and/or connector.

The lid 82 desirably releasably locks in the open position. For thispurpose, as best seen in FIG. 10, the front end of the lid 82 includesan abutment surface 126 which contacts the bottom 128 of the channel 86.The spacing between the abutment surface 126 and the detents 120 on thelid 82 desirable creates a slight degree of interference between a rearedge of the abutment surface 126 and the channel bottom 128, whileallowing the lid 82 to rotate from the closed position to the openposition. As a result of this interference, the lid 82 snaps into theopen position and remains in this position until forcibly closed.

With reference to FIG. 6, the lid 82 defines an opening 130 between twoside rails 132. The side rails 132 of the lid 82 desirably haveidentical shapes, and the discussion herein of one will be understood asapplying equally to both, unless specified to the contrary.

Each side rail 132 includes an inner beam 134 and an outer reinforcementrib 136 attached to a contoured section 38 of the inner beam 134. Theinner beam 134 generally has an elongated, rectangular block-like shape,except for the contoured section 138 (which will be described below),and the outer rib 136 also has rectangular block-like of a short length.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the contoured section 138 of the beam 134defines a series of notches. The notches are configured to providereliefs and contact points for the transmission media line connector 22when the lid 82 is raised to the open position. In the illustratedembodiment designed for use with an RJ-11 modular plug 22, the contouredsection 138 includes three unequally sized, squared notches. A firstnotch 140 is sized and arranged such that with the lid 82 in the openposition, the notch provides a relief into which the front end 30 of thecontact block 26 of the modular plug 22 is freely inserted. As seen inFIG. 10, the squared sides of the first notch 140 lie generally paralleland perpendicular to the bottom 128 of the adaptor body channel 86,respectively, with the lid 82 in the open position.

A second notch 142 extends into the inner beam 134 to the rear of thefirst notch 140. The second notch 142 is sized and configured to engagethe front abutment surface 34 and the upper surface 36 of the plugcontact block 26 with the lid 82 in the open position. Similar to thefirst notch 140, the squared upper surface and side surface of thesecond notch 142 lie generally parallel and perpendicular to the bottom128 of the adaptor body channel 86, respectively, with the lid 82 in theopen position. The upper surface captures the front upper corner of theplug contact block 22 between the lid 82 and the channel bottom 128, andthe front side surface of the second notch 142 prevents furtherinsertion of the plug 22 once the front abutment surface 34 of the plug22 contacts the front side surface of the second notch 142.

A third notch 144 is formed behind the second notch 142 to provide arelief for the upper surface 36 of the plug contact block 26. The thirdnotch 144 is smaller in size than the second notch 142 and extends intothe inner beam 134 to a lesser extent than the first notch 140. Like thefirst and second notches 140,142, the sides of the third notch 144generally lie parallel and perpendicular to the channel bottom 128 withthe lid 82 in the open position. Although the third notch 144 generallyhas a shallow, squared shape, as best seen in FIG. 10, it iscontemplated that the third notch 144 could blend into the second notch142 so as to form a chamfer-like surface to facilitate insertion of thefront end 30 of the plug contact block 26 into the second notch 142.

As best understood from FIG. 6, the reinforcement rib 136 lies adjacentand parallel to the inner beam 134 of the rail 132 and extends to theoutside of the inner beam 134 over the contoured section 138. Thereinforcement rib 136, which desirably is integrally formed with thebeam 134, strengthens the contoured portion 138 of the beam 134. Eachrail 132 consequently has sufficient structural integrity and durabilityto withstand the stresses produced by repetitively moving the lid 82between the open and closed positions.

As best understood from FIGS. 6 and 8, each reinforcement rib 136 lieswithin the side relief 96 of the adaptor channel 86 with the lid 82 inthe closed position. The inner beams 134 of the side rails 132 restadjacent to the side walls 92, 94 of the adaptor body channel 86 withinthe channel 86 in this position.

The reinforcement rib 136, which lies on the inner side of the adaptor16 proximate to the inner rail 98, includes a transverse tab 148. Asseen in FIG. 8, the transverse tab 148 rests within the transverse notch100 in the inner rail 98 of the adaptor body 80 when the lid 82 isclosed.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 9, the lid opening 130 defined between theside rails 132 has a sufficient width to receive the clip base 40 on thecontact block 26 of the modular plug 22. The spacing between the innersides of the rail inner beams 134, however, desirably matches thedistance D (see FIG. 3) between the front abutment surfaces 34 on eitherside of the plug contact block 26. As seen in FIG. 10, a front edge 150of the opening 130 lies forward of the second notch 142 of the rib 132,and desirably lies proximate to or forward of the first notch 140. Asillustrated in hidden lines in FIG. 10, this position ensures sufficientrelief for the front portion of the retention clip 38 and contact block26 of the modular plug 22 when the plug 22 is inserted between the lidrails 132.

The opening 130 also extends between front and rear ends of the lid 82.In this direction, as seen in FIG. 9, the opening 130 has a sufficientlength to receive the clip base 40 of the modular plug 22.

With reference to FIG. 11, the rear end 124 of the lid 82 defines abroad groove 152 on its underside that is configured to receive the rearend of the clip broad base 40. The broad groove 152 abruptly transitionsinto a narrow groove 154 that extends through the rear end 124 of thelid 82. The narrow groove 154 is sized and position relative to thebroad groove 152 so as to receive the clip tab 42 with the broad base 40of the modular plug clip 38 positioned within the broad groove 152. Thetransition between the broad and narrow grooves 152, 154 forms aretention ridge 156 which, as seen in FIG. 9, contacts the rear abutmentsurfaces 44 of the clip base 40 to prevent the clip 38 and the attachedmodular plug 22 from being removed from the adaptor 16 unintentionally.

Both the adaptor body 80 and the adaptor lid 82 may be constructed inany of a variety of ways which will be will known to one of skill in theart. For instance, the entire adaptor body 80 and the entire adaptor lid82 each can be integrally molded such as by injection molding, thermalforming or vacuum forming of a pre-formed sheet of plastic.Alternatively, these components can be fabricated from premoldedsub-component parts, such as premolding the connector 104 and the siderails 98, 102 separate of the main body which defines the centralchannel 86. The main body of the adaptor body 86 can be stamped, moldedor machined of a plastic sheet, and thereafter bonded with theprefabricated sub-components. The bonding process can involve thermalbonding, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding or other techniques knownin the art. The adaptor lid 82 and the adaptor body 80 desirably aremade of a glass-filled nylon or a similar plastic or of aluminum or likemetal alloy.

The operation of the adaptor 16 of the communications card 10 will nowbe explained further with primary reference to FIG. 1. In operation, theadaptor 16 is removed from its storage position by sliding the adaptor16 off the communications card body 18 in the rearward direction. Thatis, the adaptor 16 is drawn in the rearward direction to slide the innerside rail 98 out of the retaining groove 78 of the card body 18.

Once the user removes the adaptor 16 from its storage position, the usercan connect the adaptor 16 to the rear terminal 70 of the communicationscard body 18. The adaptor 16 cantilevers away from the card body 18 withthe front connector 104 of the adaptor 16 engaging the rear terminal 70of the card body 18. In this position, the adaptor 16 projects beyondthe peripheral side 20 of the host computer 14 when the communicationscard body 18 is plugged into the socket 12 of the host system 14.

The user can attach the adaptor 16 to the communications card body 18 inthe operational position either before or after the user plugs the cardbody 18 into the socket 12 of the host computer 14. If done after thecard 10 is plugged into the socket 12, the user actuates the ejectionmechanism 79 (FIG. 5) of the communications card 10 which slides theadaptor 16 in the rearward direction in the retaining groove 78 to aposition where at least the rear end 124 of the adaptor lid 82 projectsbeyond the peripheral side 20 of the computer 14. The user then cangrasp the rear end 124 of the adaptor 16 to completely remove theadaptor 16 from its storage position. Alternatively, the user ejects thecommunications card 10 from the socket 12 and then manually slides theadaptor 16 from its storage position by pulling the adaptor 16 rearwardrelative to the communications card body 18. Where the communicationscard 10 cooperates with a larger size socket 12 (e.g., a Type IIcommunications card used with a Type III socket), however, it may not benecessary to eject the communications card 10 from the host computer 14in order to manually move the adaptor 16 from the storage position tothe operational position.

The user attaches the adaptor 16 to the rear terminal 70 of thecommunications card 10 to position the adaptor 16 in its operationalposition. The user connects the adaptor 16 to the rear terminal 70 byinserting the plug 106 on the front end of the adaptor 16 into thecorresponding receptacle 72 of the rear terminal 70. Thisinterconnection physically couples the adaptor 16 to the card body 18.And, as understood from FIG. 1, the adaptor 16 extends beyond theperipheral edge 20 of the host computer 14 in this position with thecard body 18 inserted into the socket 12 so as to permit the connectionof the transmission media line connector 22 to the adaptor 16, asdescribed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the direct contact between the card edgeconnector 74 of the rear terminal 70 and the contacts of the adaptorplug 106 establishes an electrical connection between the adaptor 16 andthe rear terminal 70. The card edge connector 74 of the rear terminal 70sides into the plug receptacle 108 when the user inserts the plug 106into the rear terminal receptacle 72 on the card body 18. The contactson the card edge connector 74 contact the front ends of the adaptor pins84 in this position. This electrical connection places the contact pins84 of the adaptor 16 in direction electrical communication with thelogic circuitry 66 housed within the card body 18. As such, an externaldata access arrangement circuit is not required, as known in the art.The keys 110 on the plug 106 ensure that the user inserts the plug 106into the receptacle 72 in the proper orientation such that thecorresponding contacts of the adaptor 16 and rear terminal 70 makeelectrical contact.

The lid 82 of the adaptor 16 is open in its operational state. Where theadaptor 16 includes an opening mechanism, the biasing member biases thelid 82 open. Otherwise the user opens the lid 82 by raising the rear end124 of the lid 82 away from the adaptor body 80. The lid 82 rotates openuntil it snaps into its locked open position.

The user inserts the transmission media line plug 22 into the adaptorchannel 86 beneath the opened lid 82. As best understood from FIGS. 9and 10, the user slides the plug 22 into the adaptor 16 until the frontabutment surfaces 34 of the plug 22 contact the vertical edges of thesecond notches 142 of the lid side rails 132. The retention clip 38 ofthe plug 22 deflects toward the contact block 26 of the plug 22 as theuser slides the plug 22 into the adaptor with the clip 38 contacting therear end 124 of the lid 82. The plug retention clip 38 springs into thelid opening 130 with the plug 22 fully inserted into the adaptor 16. Thebase 40 of the spring clip 38 lies within the opening 130 and the broadgroove 152 of the lid rear end 124, with the tab 42 of the clip 38extending through the narrow groove 154 at the rear end 124 of the lid82. As understood from FIG. 9, the retaining edges 44 of the clip 38thus contacts the retaining ridge 156 of the lid 82 to interconnect theplug 22 and the adaptor lid 82. The interconnection between theretention clip 38 and the rear end 124 of the lid 82 is similar to thatbetween the retention clip and a standard RJ-11 socket or jack.

The bias of the retention clip 38 maintains this interconnection untilthe user depresses the tab 42 towards the plug contact block 26 todisengage the retention edges 44 of the clip 38 from the retaining ridge156 of the lid 82. The user then can slide the plug 22 rearward todisconnect the plug 22 from the adaptor 16.

When the communications card 10 is not in use, the user disconnects theadaptor 16 from the card body 18 by pulling the adaptor plug 106 out ofthe rear terminal receptacle 72. The user can then return the adaptor 16to its storage position by sliding the adaptor 16 into the relief 54 incommunications card body 18. The user aligns the adaptor inner rail 98with the retention groove 78 of the card body 18 and slides the rail 98into the groove 78 to releasably attach the adaptor 16 to the card body18 in the storage position. The lid 82 cannot open with the inner rail98 captured within the retention groove 78 because the transverse tab148 on lid 82 also is captured within the retention groove 78 Of thecard body 18. The slight friction fit between the adaptor inner rail 98and the card body 18 prevents the adaptor 16 from unintentionallysliding off the adaptor body 18.

The releasable connection of the adaptor 16 from the card body 18 allowsthe user to conveniently move the adaptor 16 between the storage andoperational positions. It also allow the user to replace the adaptor 16if the adaptor brakes or wears, without the need to replace the entirecommunications card 10.

The integration of the adaptor 16 into the overall form of thecommunications card 10 in the storage position allows the user the carrythe adaptor 16 internally with the communications card 10 within thehost computer 14. This is achieved within the confines of the PCMCIAstandard. The user thus can carry the computer 14 and communicationscard 10 in a conventional computer portfolio without specialaccommodations to protect the adaptor 16. The internal storage positionof the adaptor 16 also obviates the need to carry an external adaptor,which users are prone to forget or lose.

The adaptor 16 also easily attaches to the PCMCIA communications card 10to provide a convenient interface between the transmission media lineconnector 22 (e.g., phone plug) and the communications card 10. Theadaptor 16 directly connects the transmission media line 24 to thecommunications card 10. This is done while complying with the PCMCIAphysical specifications. And the interconnection with the transmissionmedia line plug 22 occurs adjacent to the peripheral side 20 of the hostcomputer 10. This interconnection does not interfere with other cardswithin the host socket or within adjacent sockets. Nor does the adaptor16 obtrusively projects beyond the side 20 of the host computer 14.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a communications card 11 in accordance withanother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Whereappropriate, like reference numbers with the suffix "a" or "b" have beenused in FIGS. 12 and 13 to designate components that are identical orfunctionally similar to components of the first embodiment. The cardbody 18a is formed with inward-facing side walls 58a and 58b, (FIG. 13)which define an adaptor channel 200 for receiving the adaptor 16a. Eachside wall 58a, 58b has a respective groove 78 formed therein forreceiving a corresponding rail 98a, 98b of the adapter 16a. When theadaptor 16a is fully inserted within the adaptor channel 200, theadaptor 16a integrates with the card body 18a to present a generallyrectangular configuration.

At the rear end 48a of the card body 18a there is provided a firstadaptor terminal 70a. The first adaptor terminal 70a includes areceptacle 72a which is configured to receive the connector plug 106a ofthe adaptor 16a, and includes an electrical connector 74a for makingelectrical connection with the plug 106a. At the closed end of theadaptor channel 200 there is provided a second adaptor terminal 70b,which includes a second receptacle 72b and a second electrical connector74b. The second adaptor terminal 70b is preferably identical inconfiguration to the first adaptor terminal 70a. Both adaptor terminals70a and 70b may be identical in construction to the above-describedterminal 70 of the first preferred embodiment. Other features of thecommunications card 11, such as the front terminal 68a and the logiccircuitry (not shown), are substantially identical to the correspondingfeatures of the card 10 of the first preferred embodiment.

The adaptor 16a is preferably substantially identical in configurationto the adaptor 16 of the first preferred embodiment, with two notableexceptions. First, as noted above, the adaptor 16a includes two rails98a and 98b, rather than the single rail 98 of first preferredembodiment. Second, the tab 148 (FIG. 6) is omitted in the adaptor 16aof the second preferred embodiment, so that the lid 82a can be lifted toan operational position while the adaptor 16a is fully inserted withinthe adaptor channel 200.

The adaptor 16a can advantageously be attached to the communicationscard 11 by the user in either one of two operation positions. In thefirst operational position, which is shown in FIG. 13, the adaptor 16aconnects to the first adaptor terminal 70a. In this first operationalposition, the adaptor 16a extends beyond the peripheral side 20 of thehost computer 14 (FIG. 1) when the card body 18 is plugged into thecorresponding socket 12. In the second operational position, which mayalso advantageously serve as a storage position, the adaptor 16a isfully inserted within the adaptor channel 200 and connects to the secondadaptor terminal 70b. For both of these operational positions, the userconnects the modular plug 22 to the adaptor 16a by lifting the lid 82aand inserting the plug 22 within the channel of the adaptor 16a, asdescribed above for the first preferred embodiment.

It is contemplated that the selection by the user between the twooperational attachment positions will normally be dictated by theconfiguration of the peripheral device socket 12 (FIG. 1) on the user'scomputer. If the configuration of the socket 12 is such that the adaptor16a cannot be used in the second (fully-inserted) operational position,the user will attach the adaptor 16a to the first adaptor terminal 70a,and will insert the adaptor 16a into the adaptor channel 200 for storagepurposes. If, on the other hand, the socket 12 is configured such thatthe plug 22 can be inserted while the adaptor 16a is positioned withinthe adaptor channel 200, the user can advantageously leave the adaptor16a inserted within the adaptor channel 200 and simply open the lid 82ato insert the modular plug 22.

With further reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the communications card 11may be provided with a connector terminal 208 to permit directconnection of a second type of media line connector 210 to the card 11.In the preferred embodiment, the connector terminal 208 is preferably aPCMCIA approved 15-pin connector, available from Foxconn Ltd. of TaipeiTaiwan, or the like. This type of connector is commonly used forcellular and other voice applications. The connector terminal 208 ispositioned along the front 48a of the card body 18a (to the side of theadaptor channel 200) such that the media line connector 210 can beplugged into the connector terminal 208 while the card 11 in insertedwithin the socket 12. The provision of the connector terminal 208 on thecard body 18a advantageously allows the communications card 11 to beused with either of two different types of media line connectors 22,210.

As will be apparent by those skilled in the art, various combinations ofthe features of the above-described preferred embodiments are possible.For example, a second adaptor terminal, such as the adaptor terminal 70bof FIGS. 12 and 13, could be added to the communications card 10 inplace of the aperture 76 (FIG. 4). Further, the ejection mechanism shownin FIG. 5 could be added to the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13.

Although this invention has been described in terms of a certainpreferred embodiment, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art are also within the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined onlyby the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communications card for electricallyinterfacing a computer with a transmission media line that has eitherone of at least two different types of electrical media line connectors,said communications card comprising a card body with a first end and thesecond end, the first end including a first connector terminal whichinterfaces with a host computer, and the second end including a secondconnector terminal adapted to receive an electrical media line connectorof a first type, a recess formed in the card body which extends from thesecond end toward the first end of the card body, and a movable memberthat is movable within said recess, said movable member integrating withsaid card body to present a generally rectangular configuration withsaid movable member fully inserted within said recess, said movablemember including a receptacle which is configured to receive anelectrical media line connector of a second type.
 2. A communicationscard as in claim 1, wherein said rectangular configuration presented bysaid card body and said movable member with said movable member fullyinserted within said recess conforms to the PCMCIA guidelines for thephysical specification of communications cards.
 3. A communications cardas in claim 1, wherein said movable member is movable between top andbottom planar surfaces of said card body.
 4. A communications card as inclaim 1, wherein said movable member is releasably attached to said cardbody.
 5. A communications card as in claim 1, wherein said receptacle ofsaid movable member is adapted to receive a standard RJ-11 modular plug.6. A communications card as in claim 5, wherein said connector terminalcomprises a PCMCIA approved 15 pin connector.
 7. A communications cardas in claim 1, wherein said movable member is releasably attached tosaid card body in at least two alternative attachment positions.
 8. Acommunications card as in claim 7, wherein each of said attachmentpositions is an operational position in which said moveable member canengage said card body and communicate with said first connector terminalon the first end of said card body via circuitry contained within thecard body between said first and second end.
 9. A communications cardsas in claim 7, wherein said moveable member protects outwardly away fromsaid card body when attached to said card body in a first position ofsaid at least two alternative positions, whereby said moveable memberextends beyond a peripheral wall of the host computer when said cardbody is inserted within a socket of the computer to expose saidreceptacle of said moveable member.
 10. A communications card as inclaim 1, wherein said receptacle of said movable member additionallycomprises a movable retention member that releasably engages a portionof the electrical media line connector of the second type.
 11. Acommunications card as in claim 10, wherein said retention membercomprises a hinged lid.
 12. A communications card for electricallyinterfacing a computer with a transmission media line of the type havingan electrical connector, said communications card comprising a card bodyand an adaptor, said adaptor configured to receive the electricalconnector, said adaptor being adapted to releasably attach to said cardbody in at least two alternative attachment positions, each of saidattachment positions allowing the electrical communication between saidcard body and said adaptor, whereby said alternative attachmentpositions accommodate differing configurations of a computer socket inwhich the communications card may be inserted.
 13. A communications cardas in claim 12, wherein said adaptor forms an outward extension of saidcommunications card when attached in one position of at least twoalternative attachment positions, said adaptor extending away from thecomputer when said card body is inserted within a socket of saidcomputer.
 14. A communications card as in claim 12, wherein said adaptorforms an outward extension of the communications cards when attached ina first position of said at least two alternative attachment positions,and said adaptor integrates with said card body to present a generallyrectangular configuration when said adaptor is in a second attachmentposition of said at least two alternative attachment positions.
 15. Acommunications card as in claim 12, wherein said adaptor is configuredto receive a standard RJ-11 modular plug.
 16. A communications card asin claim 12 further comprising a connector terminal on said card body,said connector terminal adapted to connected to an electrical media lineconnector without the use of said adaptor.
 17. A communications card asin claim 16, wherein said connector terminal comprises a PCMCIA approved15 pin connector.
 18. A communications card as in claim 12, wherein saidcard body defines a channel, said channel configured to receive saidadaptor.
 19. A communications card as in claim 12, wherein said adaptorintegrates with said card body to present a generally rectangularconfiguration when said adaptor is in a first attachment position ofsaid at least two alternative attachment positions.
 20. A communicationscard as in claim 19, wherein said rectangular configuration presented bysaid card body and said adaptor conforms to the PCMCIA guidelines forthe physical specification of communications cards.
 21. A communicationscard as in claim 12, wherein said adaptor comprises a movable retentionmember that releasably engages a portion of the electrical media lineconnector.
 22. A communications card as in claim 21, wherein saidretention member comprises a hinged lid.
 23. A communications card forelectrically interfacing a computer with a transmission media line, saidcommunications card comprising a card body which houses communicationscircuitry, said card body having first and second electrical terminalson opposite outer edges of said card body, said first electricalterminal interfacing the communications card to a host computer when thecommunications card is inserted within a slot of the host computer, saidsecond electrical terminal configured to cooperate with a transmissionmedia line connector to interface the communications card to atransmission media line, a movable extension member adjacent to saidsecond electrical terminal, said extension member configured to bereleasably engaged by and to electrically connect to a transmissionmedia line plug which has a thickness greater than the thickness of thecard body, said extension member movable to an extended position inwhich said extension member extends outside the slot with said card bodyfully inserted within the slot.
 24. A communications card as in claim23, wherein said second electrical terminal comprises a 15-contactconnector.
 25. A communications card as in claim 23, wherein said secondelectrical terminal is adapted to connect to a transmission media lineconnector which has a different pin configuration from a pinconfiguration of the transmission media line plug that is engageablewith said extension member.
 26. A communications card as in claim 23,wherein said extension member is configured to releasably engage astandard RJ-11 modular plug.
 27. A communications card as in claim 23,wherein said extension member comprises a hinged lid which moves betweena closed position and an opened positioned, and which is capable ofengaging the transmission media line plug when in the opened position.28. A communications card as in claim 23, wherein said extension memberreleasably attaches to the card body in at least a first position.
 29. Acommunications card as in claim 28, wherein said extension memberreleasably attaches to said second electrical terminal located at saidfirst position.
 30. A communications card as in claim 29, wherein saidextension member releasably attaches to the card body additionally at asecond position in which said extension member integrates with said cardbody to present a generally rectangular configuration.
 31. Acommunications card as in claim 30, wherein said card body additionallyincludes a third electrical terminal positioned at an end of a channel,and said extension member is slidable within the channel to the secondposition in which the extension member engages the third electricalterminal.
 32. A communications card as in claim 23, wherein saidextension member slides within a recess of the card body.
 33. Acommunications card as in claim 32, wherein said recess is a channelwhich extends into the card body from the outer edge on which the secondelectrical terminal is located.
 34. A communications card forelectrically interfacing a computer with a transmission media lineconnector, said communications card comprising a rectangular card bodywhich houses communications circuitry, said card body having a generallyrectangular periphery and including a first electrical terminal and areceptacle, said first electrical terminal being located at a first endof the communications card and electrically connecting thecommunications circuitry to circuitry of a host computer when thecommunications card is inserted within a slot of the computer, saidreceptacle being positioned substantially within the rectangularperiphery of the card body and near a second end of the communicationscard, the receptacle including a hinged lid which is movable between aclosed position in which the communications card has a thickness whichis less than the thickness of the transmission media line connector, andan open position in which the lid and a base of the receptacle define anopening which is sized to receive and is configured to releasably engagethe transmission media line connector while the receptacle is positionedsubstantially within the rectangular periphery of the card body, andelectrically conductive elements being located within the opening toestablish electrical communication between the transmission media lineconnector and the communications circuitry.
 35. A communications card asin claim 34, wherein the hinged lid of the receptacle is sized to opento said open position within the confines of the slot of the hostcomputer.
 36. A communications card as in claim 34, wherein said hingedlid comprises a notch which receives a flexible retention member of thetransmission media line connector.
 37. A communications card as in claim34, wherein said receptacle has a channel positioned below the hingedlid and is and is exposed when said hinged lid is in said open position,the width of the channel substantially corresponding to an outerdimension of the transmission media line connector.
 38. A communicationscard as in claim 34 additionally comprising a detachable adaptor whichreleasably attaches to the card body, the adaptor being formed in partby the receptacle with the hinged lid, and an electrical connector whichconnects to a second electrical terminal of the card body.
 39. Acommunications card as in claim 38, wherein said detachable adaptorattaches to the card body in a first attachment position in which thedetachable adaptor integrates with said card body to present a generallyrectangular configuration, and a second attachment position in whichsaid adaptor extends outside the slot of the host computer with the cardbody fully inserted within the slot.
 40. A communications card as inclaim 39, wherein said first and second attachment positions areoperational positions which permit communications between the hostcomputer and the transmission media line.
 41. A communications card asin claim 39, wherein said card body includes a recess into which thedetachable adaptor is inserted to integrate the adaptor with the cardbody.
 42. A communications card as in claim 41, wherein the card bodyadditionally includes second and third electrical terminals, said secondelectrical terminal being located on said second end of the card body,and said third electrical terminal being located at an end of therecessed located within the rectangular periphery of the card body, saidsecond and third electrical terminals communicating with thecommunications circuitry.